University History and Records

About University History and Records

This department is the final, central repository for East Carolina University records of permanent historical value, including documents created by ECU’s administration, offices, colleges, departments, student groups and faculty members as well as items from alumni about their time as students. We collect, preserve, and provide public access to these materials. If you, your department, committee, or student organization have materials you believe should be transferred to us, please fill out this Records Transfer Form or contact University Archivist Alston Cobourn.

The department also administers the university’s records management program, which works with university employees to assist in managing their current, active physical and digital records in accordance with federal, state, and campus regulations. We administer comprehensive trainings for departments and individuals. You can access our online Records Retention and Management training through Cornerstone. If you work at ECU and have a question about the records your office keeps or uses, please review the Records Management Guide or contact University Records at recordsmanagement@ecu.edu.

University History Resources

The Pursuit of Civil Rights at East Carolina: A Timeline provides information about the history of civil rights at East Carolina within the context of what was simultaneously happening across the state and nation.

Our Building Histories provide key facts and background information about many campus buildings.

Archived Websites

We maintain archives of some official university websites, websites and social medial accounts that pertain to student organizations, websites documenting regional events, and digital university publications. You can view them at https://archive-it.org/organizations/1499

For assistance navigating these websites, please see our tutorial.

East Carolina University Veterans’ Gallery

In 1917, professor and future school president, Leon Meadows requested a leave of absence to volunteer for service in France during World War I. His act embodied the school’s Latin motto ‘servire’ or ‘to serve’ and began a century-long tradition of service by the students, faculty, and staff of East Carolina. In the years since East Carolina veterans have served before and after their time on campus in periods of conflict and peace throughout the world. Visit East Carolina University Veterans’ Gallery to explore existing entries or submit your own entry.

Emeritus Faculty Listing

An alphabetical list of ECU emeritus faculty members.

School of Music Recordings

Joyner Library maintains digital audio files of select performances from the School of Music from approximately 2008 to the present. Request your recorded School of Music performance (requires Pirate ID)

For older, analog audio recordings, we will make an effort to digitize materials upon request, but due to limited staffing resources, we may not be able to fill very large requests, or doing so may take an extended period of time.